As the heat relentlessly continues, Nick finds welcome shade and cooling drinks at The Bloomsbury Club Bar
You’d not think to find a cool oasis in the style desert that is Tottenham Court Road, but just a few steps from the tube station The Bloomsbury Club has created somewhere rather special
Step down past the trailing greenery and branches, and you find yourself indoors and outdoors at the same time. The shade is welcome, but there is still nice fresh air swirling around the comfy banquettes and in the reduced daylight, glowing lanterns, candlelight and fairy light make it feel like being in a particularly nice garden
The Aperitivo hour is actually four hours, as it runs from 5pm to 9pm, Tuesday to Thursday. No need to rush there from work, but if you do it’s pleasant to feel the workday slide into the evening.
The cocktail menu showcases three signature creations. Prima Sera (“early evening”) combines Rinomato Bitter Scuro, Mancino Vermouth Amaranto, Akashi Tai Umeshu, an Italian amaro blend and pink grapefruit soda. The Garibaldi pairs Campari with freshly squeezed orange juice, while Sottosole (“under the sun”) blends Tanqueray Gin, Mancino Vermouth Amaranto, lavender bitters, Campari and lemon foam.
The Primo Sera was shockingly pink, the sort of colour CND protesters used to dye their hair, and the foam went up my nose a bit, but in a good way. I should have started with the Garibaldi though as it was a long drink, very refreshing and loaded up with an enormous perfectly clear ice cube. I like lots of ice, and if you do too check our review of XXXX) Exactly the kind of not too strong drink you need when you stagger in out of a pitiless sun ( we went at the peak of the last heatwave)
Signature cocktails and classic spritzes start from £13, while the £18 Aperitivo Experience pairs a cocktail with a platter of Italian charcuterie, gherkins, focaccia and pan con tomate. We were going to try this, but we had dinner waiting elsewhere so thought best not to.
So we had a Sottosole (“under the sun”) which Tanqueray Gin, Mancino Vermouth Amaranto, lavender bitters, Campari and lemon foam. Another long-ish drink, which was fine by me, one drawback with cocktails I find is that they are gone all too soon, which leads to another, and another, which invariably leads to my legs giving up.
Leading the bar here is Antonio Paperiello, who was recently named a World Aperitivo Ambassador at the Aperitivo Festival 2026 in Milan.
Further refreshment can be vound in a curated selection of Italian spritzes, including the classic Aperol, Campari and Hugo, as well as Beesou and Pomelle Spritzes. .
Although we left too soon to savour it, live music adds another layer to the aperitivo experience a bit later in the evening.
The Bloomsbury Club Bar really is a find in hot weather, the combination of its inside/outside shady location is unique in the area and the Aperitivos really hit the spot
Reservations are recommended. Guests can book via thebloomsburyclub.com or simply drop in between 5pm and 9pm, Tuesday to Thursday.
The Bloomsbury Club Bar
16–22 Great Russell Street
Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3NN
Instagram: @thebloomsburyclub